Laura Smith
Spore printing is an essential skill for any aspiring mycologist. It is a simple process that involves allowing spores to fall from the cap of a mature mushroom onto a piece of paper, tinfoil, or glass. This technique can be used for mushroom cultivation, identification, and art. When creating a spore print, it is important to remove the stem of the mushroom and place the cap gill-side down. The mushroom should then be covered with a glass or bowl to prevent air currents from disrupting the spores. After several hours, the cap can be removed to reveal the spore print pattern. Spore prints can be stored at room temperature and can last for decades.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Mushroom cultivation, identification, and art |
| Mushroom Types | Gills, pores, boletoid, hydnoid, cup, and flask |
| Mushroom Characteristics | Mature, hard, or young |
| Tools | Paper, tinfoil, Glass, Microscope slide, Water, Cover slip, Artist spray, Hair spray, Wet paper towels, Newspapers, Basket, Paper bag, Jars, Containers, Scalpel, Sharp knife, Tumbler, Wet tissue paper, Ziploc bag, Artist's clear varnish, Hair lacquer |
| Process | Cut the stem, place the cap gill-side down, cover, and leave for 1-24 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right mushroom
When choosing a mushroom for spore printing, it is also essential to consider the colour of the spores. Spore prints come in a variety of colours, and this can be a key factor in identifying the mushroom species. For example, blewits have a pale pink spore print, while honey mushrooms produce a white spore print, and Cortinarius mushrooms have rusty brown spores. The colour of the spores can help determine the mycological family to which the mushroom belongs. However, it is important to note that spore colour should not be the sole criterion for mushroom identification, especially when determining edible mushrooms. Some colour differences can be subtle, and people may interpret colours differently. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a field guide or online resources for accurate identification.
The type of mushroom selected for spore printing may also depend on the intended use of the print. If the print is for identification purposes, it is advisable to choose a mushroom with visible gills, such as oyster, portobello, or Swiss brown mushrooms. The colour of the paper or surface used for printing should also be considered, as spores on black paper may be easier to see for certain mushrooms. Additionally, if the spores are intended for cultivation, it is recommended to use tinfoil instead of paper, as it is more sterile and better for making spore syringes.
It is worth noting that some mushrooms may be more challenging to identify, especially after rainfall, so bringing them home for spore printing can be beneficial. However, it is crucial to follow local guidelines and only collect mushrooms if it is permitted and there are plenty in the area. Remember to wash your hands after handling mushrooms and to store spore prints properly, such as by folding the corners of the paper or tinfoil and placing them in a ziplock bag.
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Preparing the mushroom
Firstly, select a mushroom that is mature in age. Mushroom spores are not produced until near the end of the mushroom's life cycle, so maturity is important. A mushroom with a veil covering the gills is too young. It is also worth noting that some mushrooms, such as shelf and oyster varieties, can be used whole, without removing the stem.
Once you have selected your mushroom, carefully remove the cap from the stem. The spores lie on the surface of the gills, so you will need to cut the stem as close to the underside of the cap as possible. This can be done with a sharp knife or scalpel.
With the stem removed, you now have a clean surface to work with. Place the cap, gill-side down, onto a piece of paper, tinfoil, or glass. If you intend to use the spores for cultivation, it is recommended to use tinfoil as it is more sterile and easier to scrape spores from. However, for identification purposes, paper is fine, and black or white paper should be used depending on the colour of the spores. If you are unsure of the colour, you can always experiment with both.
To help release the spores, place a drop of water on top of the cap. Then, cover the cap with a glass, bowl, or small container to prevent air currents from carrying away the spores. If the mushroom is particularly small, place a piece of damp tissue on top to prevent it from drying out.
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Selecting the surface
Selecting the right surface is crucial for a clear spore print. The surface is where the spores will fall and form a pattern, so it should be carefully chosen. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the surface:
Type of Surface
The most common surfaces used for spore printing are paper, foil, glass, or other flat surfaces.
- Paper: Ordinary paper, such as white or black paper, is the most commonly used surface for spore printing. White paper is suitable for capturing non-white spores, while black paper is ideal for white or light-colored spores. Using the two colors together can help distinguish different spore colors more clearly. Artists also experiment with colored and textured paper for artistic creations. If you plan on taking multiple spore prints, laminating the black and white paper together allows for easy cleaning and reuse.
- Foil: Aluminum foil can also be used, especially if you want to harvest the spores for growing. It is more sterile than paper and can be wiped down with alcohol. Foil provides better contrast for certain spore colors and is useful for making spore syringes and scraping spores onto agar plates.
- Glass: A glass surface, such as a microscope slide, can also be used for spore printing.
Surface Placement
When placing the mushroom cap on the surface, ensure that the mushroom gills or spore-bearing structures are close enough to the surface without touching it directly. This prevents direct contact between the cap and the surface, reducing the risk of introducing bacteria or other contaminants. Make sure the cap is centered and in full contact with the surface to ensure a clear and accurate print.
Container Coverage
After placing the mushroom cap on the surface, cover it with a container such as a glass, bowl, cup, or paper cup to prevent air currents from dispersing the spores. This creates a controlled environment for the spores to fall onto the surface without interference.
Timing and Moisture
The duration required for spore printing varies depending on the freshness of the mushroom and the humidity of the environment. Typically, it takes 2-12 hours or even overnight for the spores to drop and form a distinct print. Excess humidity can encourage the growth of mold or bacteria, compromising the viability of the spores. Therefore, it is important to allow the spores to air dry for 30-60 minutes after removing the cap to remove any remaining moisture.
In summary, the choice of surface depends on the intended use of the spore print, the color of the spores, and the desired level of contrast. By considering these factors and following the placement and coverage guidelines, you can select the most suitable surface for your spore printing project.
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Covering the mushroom
To cover the mushroom, you can use a variety of materials, including glass, a paper or glass cup, a small bowl, or another suitable container. The chosen material should be large enough to cover the mushroom cap completely and create a sealed environment. If using a glass or bowl, ensure that it is gently placed over the mushroom to avoid disturbing the spores or the placement of the cap.
For those interested in a more artistic approach, consider using a glass square for a "dreamy effect." Alternatively, placing the mushroom cap on card stock or coloured paper without a cover can result in unique spore patterns due to air currents in the room.
It is important to note that the covering duration may vary. Leaving the mushroom covered for a few hours or overnight is generally recommended, as it allows ample time for the spores to drop and form a clear print. The exact duration depends on the freshness of the mushroom and the humidity of the environment. Checking periodically is advised to ensure the print has fully developed and to prevent the mushroom from remaining covered for more than 24 hours, as older specimens may attract larvae or begin to rot.
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Storing the spore print
Storing a mushroom spore print is a delicate process, but if done correctly, the spores can remain viable for many years.
Firstly, it is important to note that spores are best stored in a room where the temperature does not vary widely. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can damage the spores. The recommended storage temperature is between 2°C and 8°C (35°F and 46°F). It is also important to keep the spores away from exterior walls or windows, as these areas are more prone to temperature fluctuations and contaminants.
Once you have found a suitable room, you can begin preparing the spore print for storage. If you have purchased your spores, they may come in original packaging that can be resealed. Simply slide the spore print back into this packaging and seal it. If you have made your own spore print, you can fold over the paper or tin foil and store it in a ziploc bag or a small airtight plastic bag or tube. It is recommended to wipe down the packaging with 70% isopropyl alcohol to ensure it is sterile and contamination-free.
Finally, place the sealed container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Cabinets, closets, or drawers are ideal storage spots. With proper storage, your spore prints can last for decades and remain viable for research or cultivation. However, for optimal results, it is recommended to use the spores within 12 to 18 months.
Additionally, if you plan to use the spores for artistic purposes, you can preserve the spore print by spraying it lightly with an artist spray or hair spray. Hold the spray at least 12 to 15 inches away from the print to avoid blasting the spores off the paper.
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Frequently asked questions
You can place the mushroom cap on a piece of paper (white or black, depending on the colour of the spores), aluminium foil, an index card, a glass microscope slide, or clear plastic.
If the mushroom is hard, it is more difficult to obtain spore prints. Try wrapping them in wet paper towels or newspapers overnight before putting them down on foil, paper, or glass to make a spore print.
If the mushroom is young, it's very likely that no spores will fall. To make spore printing easier, carefully remove the cap of the mushroom from the stem at the highest possible point.
Leave the mushroom covered for 1 to 24 hours, depending on the humidity and the freshness of the mushroom. Some mushrooms will take longer than others, and some will leave a clear spore print in 1 to 2 hours.
To store the spore prints, fold over some of the paper or tinfoil and store them in a ziploc bag. They can be stored anywhere at room temperature and can last decades.
